Rugosa rose Rosa rugosa
Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Rosaceae family, native to Northeast Asia (Japan, Korea, northern China, far-east Russia). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -40 °C (-40 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Rugosa rose in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Rugosa rose at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -40 °C (-40 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 13–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: hips (remove hairy seeds), petals |
| Native to | Northeast Asia (Japan, Korea, northern China, far-east Russia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇩🇪 Germany |
| Invasive in | Norway (Black List, severe impact), Baltic and North Sea coasts (Germany, Denmark, Sweden), US and Canada Atlantic coast (naturalised on dunes): check local rules before planting |
Is Rugosa rose toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Roses are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA; thorns can injure.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Rugosa rose
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
See Rugosa rose in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (32 plants)
Questions about Rugosa rose
- How far apart should I plant Rugosa rose?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft).
- Does Rugosa rose need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rugosa rose need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Rugosa rose?
- It tolerates about -40 °C (-40 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Rugosa rose flower?
- From about May for 13–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Rugosa rose poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Roses are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA; thorns can injure.
- What grows well with Rugosa rose?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Suckers freely and tolerates salt spray and poor sandy soil; flowers repeat through summer and large hips ripen alongside the late blooms.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata